Manchester City midfielder Laura Coombs has announced she will retire at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 19-year career at the age of 35.

The England World Cup runner-up is set to bow out in style, with City currently sitting top of the Women's Super League table with just two games remaining. The club is on the verge of their first league title in a decade, and Coombs will be hoping to add one more piece of silverware to her collection before hanging up her boots.

Coombs' journey began back in 2007 when she started her senior career at Arsenal under legendary manager Vic Akers. After nearly four years in North London, she moved to Chelsea, where she claimed her first domestic honours—a league and FA Cup double. A stint at Liverpool followed before she made the switch to Manchester City in 2019.

"I'm so excited to be a fan of this team in the future," Coombs said. "What they're trying to build here is incredible. The way Manchester City are positioning our women's team for long-term success is so exciting. I'm very glad I got to play a part in that."

When Coombs signed for City at 29, few could have predicted just how integral she would become. Over seven seasons, she made 147 appearances across all competitions, placing her eighth on the club's all-time professional appearances list. Her impact, however, went far beyond the pitch.

"Laura has been a true cultural architect and the heartbeat of Man City Women," said Managing Director Charlotte O'Neill. "Her professionalism, drive, and humility have set a standard that others have naturally followed. She is a shining example to our younger players of what an elite player and all-round top person looks like."

Success came quickly in blue. In her very first season, City lifted the FA Cup with a dramatic victory over Everton. Now, as she prepares for her final matches, Coombs has the chance to add a league title to that triumph—a fitting farewell for a player who has given so much to the game.